GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

92

Housley’s Century Oak Winery 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Judy’s Vineyard, Mokelumne River, CA ($30)

This is an easy-drinking Cabernet sourced from old vines in a single-vineyard site within the Mokelumne River AVA in northern San Joaquin County. It shows classic Cabernet character, led by blackberry and spiced plum fruit, layered with rich loamy earth and tobacco notes. A subtle graphite minerality adds definition, while building tannins carry through the full-bodied finish. Straightforward, satisfying, and disappears before you realize it. Suggest keeping a second bottle nearby.

93

Iconoclast 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California ($60)

Luscious red cherry, blueberry, black currant, dark chocolate and a touch of smoke permeate from the glass. Juicy berry coulis drips from the tannic structure. The effect is a pervasive ripe fruit quality and dense concentration that doesn’t feel overwrought.

94

Iconoclast 2022 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California ($30)

Aromas billow with marshmallow creme, soft melted butter, candy corn and caramel apple. The palate is voluptuous and attractive, ringing the pleasure bell with soft but spritely tannins and a bright citrus flourish of mandarin and lemon zest.

95

Iconoclast 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California ($60)

Cedar and cola percolate from the jump with hints of mocha. The texture is lush yet sinewy, packed with savory spices and no small amount of sumptuous ripe strawberry and cherry. This is concentrated, full and charming, a wine that beckons for more with a complexity that would be a perfect fit for food.

94

Iconoclast 2023 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California ($30)

The enticing fragrance is riddled with lime zest, jasmine and a soupçon of pistachio ice cream. The mouthfeel is taught with a tension that slowly tightens its vice on the senses. There are notes of green apple skins, pear flesh, and a touch of custard for a dense, succulent finish.

93

Iconoclast 2023 Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, California ($35)

Like a dancer filmed in black and white, there is a grace and a brooding quality to this Pinot. The mouthfeel rises and crests with boundless energy, showcasing cherries jubilee dusted with cedar and the crust of a rhubarb pie. The palate is round and velvety, abundant with spices and fresh red berries.

93

Il Poggione 2023 Rosso di Montalcino DOC, Toscana, Italy ($31)

With tension in its design, this streamlined red exhibits teeth-lining tannins and high-toned acidity, balancing cherry, pomegranate, and vanilla-lined sandalwood.

92

Ironstone Vineyards 2022 Reserve Cabernet Franc, Sierra Foothills, California ($30)

Showing just a little leafy aromatic character to keep this true to Cabernet Franc’s varietal character, this follows with medium body, black plum and dark cherry fruit, subtle wood influence, and fine-grained tannins well-tuned to the wine’s weight and fruit. Very well grown and made.